The Spaces That Held Our Stories
Close your eyes for a moment and think of your childhood home—or your grandparents’ house. Do you remember the open courtyard where you played under the afternoon sun? The verandah where your family sat, sipping chai and sharing stories? The shaded nooks where a quiet breeze carried laughter, conversations, and the aroma of home-cooked meals?
These were not just spaces. They were living, breathing extensions of our homes—places where life unfolded organically, where the inside and outside merged seamlessly. These semi-open spaces were designed not just for function, but for feeling.
But today, they are disappearing.
As cities grow taller and homes shrink into neat, air-conditioned boxes, the essence of semi-open and courtyard spaces is fading. What was once a sprawling courtyard is now a cramped 2ft wide balcony. The grand verandah has been reduced to a narrow passage. In the race for efficiency, we have traded something deeply human for something purely practical.
The Wisdom of the Past: Spaces in Traditional Architecture
Indian architecture has always embraced the idea that a home is more than just shelter—it is an experience. Our ancestors instinctively understood that the transition between inside and outside needed to be gradual, organic, and immersive.
- The Courtyard (Aangan): The heart of Indian homes, courtyards connected family members to nature while allowing ventilation and daylight to filter through. They were multi-functional—used for rituals, cooking, social gatherings, and even sleeping under the stars on hot summer nights.
- The Verandah: A threshold space where you could sit, watch the world pass by, and feel the gentle change of seasons. It wasn’t just an entryway; it was a social space, a pause between the public and private world.
- The Jharokha & Jaalis: These intricately designed screens and overhangs provided shade while allowing light and wind to flow, maintaining a comfortable indoor climate.
- The Chhatri & Pavilion Spaces: Common in palaces and temples, these shaded, semi-open spaces provided refuge from the heat while maintaining a connection with the surroundings.
These spaces weren’t just about architecture—they were about creating a way of life that encouraged human interaction, comfort, and a harmonious relationship with nature.
The Disappearance of ‘Breathing Spaces’
Fast forward to today, and the landscape of urban homes looks starkly different. The courtyard has been replaced by artificially lit living rooms, the verandah has been swapped for narrow balconies, and the cooling effects of jaalis have been abandoned in favor of air conditioning.
Why did we let these spaces disappear?
- Urban Density & Space Constraints – As land prices soar and population density increases, real estate prioritizes built-up areas over open spaces.
- The Shift to Air-Conditioned Living – Instead of designing for natural ventilation, we rely on mechanical cooling, making semi-open spaces seem unnecessary.
- Security & Privacy Concerns – High-rise living discourages open spaces that are physically accessible to outsiders.
- Changing Lifestyles – With fast-paced urban lives, there’s a declining emphasis on slow, communal, and open living.
But in this transition, we’ve lost more than just architectural features—we’ve lost a way of life.
Why these Spaces Still Matter
Even today, semi-open spaces hold the power to transform the way we experience our homes. They offer:
- A Sense of Freedom – A place to step out, breathe fresh air, and feel connected to something beyond four walls.
- Natural Comfort – Verandahs and shaded courtyards create passive cooling, reducing the need for air-conditioning and lowering energy costs.
- Mental Well-Being – Sunlight, greenery, and natural airflow have been proven to boost mood, reduce stress, and improve overall health.
- Social Interaction – Unlike closed rooms, semi-open spaces encourage unplanned conversations, shared meals, and moments of quiet reflection.
- Flexible Usage – They can be reading nooks, mini-gardens, meditation corners, or even play areas for children.
In essence, they are the missing link between architecture and emotion—spaces that don’t just shelter us, but nurture us.
Conclusion: A Space to Breathe, A Space to Live
The disappearance of semi-open spaces in modern homes is not just an architectural loss—it is a loss of a more natural, connected way of living. These were the spaces where stories were told, where children played freely, where evenings were spent watching the sunset with a cup of chai.
Designers @ SINGLE BRICK Studio want homes that are not just livable, but lovable, and our designs are an effort for bringing back the essence of semi-open and courtyard spaces. Not just as a nostalgic throwback, but as a necessity—for comfort, for connection, and for a life that breathes beyond four walls.
Maybe the future of design isn’t about more space, but better space—spaces that remind us to slow down, step outside, and just breathe.